Pros and Cons of Living in Boiling Springs, PA (2025)

Over the last few years I’ve watched Boiling Springs, PA grow and change alot. What was once a quiet, sleepy town has evolved into a place where more families are putting down roots while still maintaining its small-town charm. If you’re considering moving here, let me share my firsthand experiences—the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

Why People Love Living in Boiling Springs

1. The Small-Town Feel with a Strong Sense of Community

One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with Boiling Springs is the close-knit community. It’s the kind of town where you recognize familiar faces at the grocery store and where neighbors genuinely look out for one another. Every year, the Children’s Lake Festival brings the whole town together with live music, food vendors, and activities for kids.

I remember moving here and being welcomed by neighbors who stopped by just to introduce themselves. That’s rare these days, and it’s something that sets Boiling Springs apart.

2. Gorgeous Scenery and Outdoor Activities

If you love the outdoors, this town is a dream. Children’s Lake is the heart of Boiling Springs, offering a peaceful place to fish, kayak, or simply take a stroll along the water. I personally enjoy early morning runs along the Appalachian Trail, which passes right through town. The crisp air, rolling hills, and wildlife sightings make it a perfect escape.

Hiking at Pine Grove Furnace State Park has become a weekend tradition for my family. It’s only a short drive away and offers scenic trails and swimming in the summer.

3. Great Schools with a Personalized Approach

Boiling Springs is served by the South Middleton School District, which consistently ranks well in Pennsylvania. As a parent, I appreciate the small class sizes and the attention teachers give to each student. The high school has strong academic programs, and the sports teams, especially wrestling and soccer, have a great reputation.

My neighbor’s son graduated last year and received several scholarships thanks to the district’s strong support for academics and extracurriculars.

4. Low Crime Rate and a Safe Environment

Safety is one of the biggest perks of living in Boiling Springs. Compared to other towns in Cumberland County, crime is practically non-existent. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel the need to lock your doors during the day.

One of my favorite things is letting my kids ride their bikes around the neighborhood without worrying too much. It’s a peace of mind that’s hard to put a price on.

5. Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Nearby Cities

Boiling Springs offers a more affordable cost of living than Harrisburg or Mechanicsburg while still providing easy access to both. The median home price sits around $186,000, which is reasonable considering the area’s charm and safety.

I was able to buy a four-bedroom home for under $300,000, which is a steal compared to what you’d pay in neighboring areas.

The Downsides of Living in Boiling Springs

1. Limited Job Market

If you’re looking for high-paying jobs, Boiling Springs isn’t the best place to be. While there are local opportunities in education, healthcare, and retail, most people commute to Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, or Carlisle for work.

I personally work remotely, which makes it ideal, but many of my neighbors spend 20-30 minutes on the road each way for better job prospects.

2. Traffic Can Be a Hassle

For such a small town, traffic can be surprisingly frustrating, especially along Route 174 during rush hour. When school lets out, expect long waits at the stoplights.

I once sat in traffic for 15 minutes trying to get out of the high school parking lot after a football game. It’s not the worst, but it can be annoying if you’re in a hurry.

3. Lack of Entertainment and Nightlife

If you love vibrant nightlife, Boiling Springs might not be for you. While we have a few great restaurants like Caffé 101, the options are limited.

For movie theaters, concerts, or trendy bars, you’ll need to drive to Carlisle or Harrisburg, which isn’t a deal-breaker but can be inconvenient.

4. Public Transportation is Nonexistent

There’s no public transportation in Boiling Springs, so having a car is essential. If you rely on buses or trains, you might find it frustrating.

A friend of mine who recently moved from Philadelphia was shocked at how difficult it is to get around without a vehicle.

5. Seasonal Weather Extremes

While I love the beauty of all four seasons, winters here can be rough. We get around 25 inches of snow per year, and the roads can be icy. The summer, on the other hand, can be humid with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s.

One winter, my car got stuck in the snow at the end of my driveway for two days. If you’re not a fan of shoveling or driving in winter conditions, this is something to consider.

Is Boiling Springs, PA, the Right Place for You?

You’ll Love Boiling Springs If You:

✅ Want a safe, tight-knit community where people know their neighbors. ✅ Enjoy the outdoors and having hiking, fishing, and scenic landscapes at your doorstep. ✅ Prefer a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere away from city noise. ✅ Are okay with commuting for work and shopping.

You Might Struggle Here If You:

❌ Need a job market with lots of local career opportunities. ❌ Rely on public transportation to get around. ❌ Prefer a bustling nightlife with plenty of entertainment options. ❌ Don’t like winter weather or dealing with seasonal extremes.

Final Thoughts

Living in Boiling Springs has been an amazing experience for me, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for small-town charm, great schools, and beautiful outdoor spaces, you’ll likely fall in love with it just as I did. However, if you need big-city job opportunities and nightlife, you might find it a little too quiet.

I’d highly recommend visiting first—spend a day walking around Children’s Lake, grabbing a coffee at Caffé 101, and chatting with locals. That’s the best way to see if Boiling Springs is the right place for you!